Skokie 4th Of July 2020 Fireworks, Parade Canceled

SKOKIE, IL — July 4 across the country will not look the same in 2020 thanks to the coronavirus. Organizers of Skokie's parade and fireworks, like those in most other cities and villages in Illinois, have been forced to cancel their annual Fourth of July festivities by the pandemic.

Officials from the village, park district and parade committee announced decision to cancel last month.

"With the likelihood that the State of Illinois will not have reached Phase 5 of its Restore Illinois plan, which allows gatherings of more than 50 people, parade and fireworks festival organizers agreed that the event would pose a significant health risk to the residents of Skokie," they said last month in a joint statement.

"The July 4th parade and fireworks festival have been an important celebration in Skokie for decades," the joint statement said. "With that in mind, organizers will soon begin planning events for July 4, 2021."

No further information about adjusted 2020 plans was available as of Monday. Suggestions on how neighbors and families can safely celebrate Independence Day will be issued by the village as soon as Friday, according to a village spokesperson.

Illinois is set to move into the fourth phase of the governor's reopening plan Friday.

During Phase 4 of Restore Illinois, state regulators are set to allow outdoor recreational gatherings of groups of up to 50 people, with multiple groups given adequate space to socially distance and limited interactions, according to a summary from the the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

At the start of Phase 4, outdoor seated events will be allowed at 20 percent capacity, but no general admission shows will be allowed.

There has been no cancellation announcement for Skokie's Backlot Bash. The Ohio Players are scheduled to headline Aug. 28, the opening night of the three-day festival at the corner of Oakton Street and Floral Avenue.

More: Movies, Zoo, Summer Camps, Gyms In Chicago Set To Reopen Friday

Know of other events in the area? Post them on the Skokie Patch calendar or share details on our free Neighbor Post feature.

Due to the pandemic, counties or cities may adjust or cancel events at the last minute. Check your event before you go.

Check out this roundup of everything from barbecue essentials to patriotic table decor to be sure your July 4 is the best in the USA.